Italy women's national volleyball team starring at the Festa dello Sport: the AIA Aequilibrium Cup Women Elite is coming

Genoa confirms its role as an international hub for major sporting events with the arrival of the AIA Aequilibrium Cup Women Elite, a prestigious women’s volleyball tournament scheduled from May 22 to 24 at the renovated Palasport del Waterfront di Levante, one of the flagship urban regeneration projects designed by Renzo Piano.

The competition will bring some of the world’s top national teams to the Ligurian capital: alongside Italy, coached by Julio Velasco and reigning Olympic and world champions, Serbia, Türkiye, and Poland will also take to the court in a top-level four-team tournament that serves as a prelude to the Volleyball Nations League.

The match schedule begins on Thursday, May 22, with Poland vs. Türkiye at 4:30 PM and Italy vs. Serbia at 9:00 PM. On Saturday, May 23, Poland faces Serbia at 4:30 PM, followed by Italy vs. Türkiye at 9:00 PM. The tournament concludes on Sunday, May 24, with Türkiye vs. Serbia at 4:30 PM and Italy vs. Poland at 9:00 PM. Three days of sport, entertainment, energy, and excitement that further strengthen Genoa’s position as a city capable of hosting internationally renowned events, while also showcasing modern and multifunctional infrastructure.

The event is part of the 22nd edition of the Festa dello Sport, organized by Porto Antico S.p.A. and Stelle nello Sport, which will transform the Porto Antico area into Italy’s largest seaside sports village. The aim is to combine citizens’ everyday well-being with major global sporting events in one great celebration, thanks to the multifunctional exhibition spaces stretching from the Waterfront di Levante to the Porto Antico district, including the area from Caricamento to the Magazzini del Cotone.

With 140,000 square meters dedicated to activities, 135 sports disciplines, and the participation of more than 200 sports associations and organizations, the event represents a widespread platform promoting well-being, sport, and community participation. Alongside the stars of the Italian women’s volleyball team, several prominent names from Italian sport will also attend, including basketball player Giacomo Galanda, gymnasts Alice D'Amato and Asia D'Amato, as well as Paralympic champion Francesco Bocciardo.

The 2026 edition also introduces new initiatives designed to broaden audiences and diversify the program, such as the “Porto Antico Game Adventure,” an interactive trail for children and families featuring a treasure hunt guided by the mascot “Olpo the Octopus,” and the K-Pop Dance Fight Fest, which will bring the Ligurian qualifiers for European K-pop dance competitions to Genoa for the first time.

The Porto Antico is thus transformed into Italy’s largest and most inclusive sports village: a seafront destination where movement becomes a universal language of social connection and well-being.

The synergy between international sporting events, regenerated urban spaces, and widespread initiatives across the city further establishes Genoa as a model of attractive and sustainable development. Events such as the AIA Aequilibrium Cup Women Elite and the Festa dello Sport help strengthen the city’s global image, generating positive impacts in terms of tourism, economy, and quality of life, while confirming its role as a strategic destination for investment and major development projects.